Our Bureau
New Delhi
The recent 25% tariffs imposed by the President of the United States, Donald Trump on India have shocked everyone. India and the US were always considered strong allies but the high rate of the duty charges imposed on India have left everyone with doubts. It is being reported that now the government is trying to figure out how to maintain their ties with the Russian government without enraging Trump more.
The US President recently told reporters that he heard that India would no longer be buying oil from Russia and called it a ‘good step’. However, it was reported that the Indian government has not given the country’s oil refiners any instructions to stop buying Russian crude oil.
There has been no order passed that notifies the refiners to pause the oil imports from Russia. Both state-run or private refiners are allowed to buy from their preferred sources, and it is being said that crude purchases still remain a commercial decision that will be left on the refiners to decide.
They officials are trying to figure out a way through which they can meet the energy requirements and continue their trade with Moscow without dampening their relations with the US. Trump, last Wednesday, on July 30th blasted India for purchasing most of its military equipment and energy from Russia and has stated that it will impose further penalties if India still maintains close ties with Russia.
It was reported that this past week Indian refiners were told to come up with some plans and strategies to buy non-Russian crude oil. Not only that, the government had also asked state-owned processors to prepare an outline of what can become an alternate source for crude oil and at what volume would we require it if the import of Russian oil gets stopped.
